Former US secretary of state Colin Powell will speak at TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes this year, the travel retail association announced today at a press briefing in London.

The show, which runs 26-31 October in the southern French city and celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, will be opened by Powell, who will speak about ‘leadership in challenging times’.

TFWA said Powell’s speech topic was appropriate as the organisation had experienced - but come through - challenging times during its 30 years.

The TFWA also announced its parent show will remain at the Palais des Festivals until at least 2017 and announced dates for its 2015 shows.

TFWA Cannes will take place 19-23 October 2015 (from 2016 it will move to the first week of October), the 20th TFWA Singapore show is scheduled for May 10-14, while its China conference will be on March 10-12 in Shanghai. Details of the 2015 MEADFA will be announced in due course.